‘Inside Out’, Psoriasis Awareness Day in Beirut launched by Novartis

October 31, 2017

389 Views

0 Comments

3 minutes read

On the occasion of the World Psoriasis Day, Novartis Pharma Services Inc., in collaboration with the Lebanese Order of Physicians and the Lebanese Society of Dermatology, organised an awareness day on “Psoriasis Inside Out”, at the Beyt el-Tabib Auditorium, Furn el Chebbak, with a host of healthcare professionals, Psoriasis patients and members of the media present.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells and causes these cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, resulting in scales and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful.

A panel of discussion was moderated by Jacqueline Chehwan, a media figure at ANB TV, with a ‘Question and Answer’ session held for the press as well as live testimonials of patients living with the disease and the effects it has on their lives.

“Our goal on World Psoriasis day is to increase public and patient awareness on psoriasis. The Lebanese Order of Physicians welcomes all efforts done by different societies to leverage better communication between doctors and patients,” stated Dr Marwan Zoghbi representing Professor Raymond Sayegh, President of the Lebanese Order of Physicians.

“Our aim today is to provide information on Psoriasis as a disease and to highlight the impact it has on the patients’ psychological, physical and social state,” explained Dr Dany Touma, the President of the Lebanese Society of Dermatology. “We want to also increase the perception of Psoriasis by healthcare professionals, in order to fully understand the negative impact it has on suffering patients.”

Dr. Fouad El Sayed, President Elect of the Lebanese Society of Dermatology and Professor of Dermatology emphasized on the fact that “Psoriasis is a systemic disease and is associated with multiple comorbidities including Diabetes, Hypertension and Cardio-vascular diseases.’ “Psoriasis is not a contagious disease, it is a systemic one. So clear skin is achievable and patients should be encouraged to consult their dermatologists for better guidance and understanding.” Anyone can develop Psoriasis but factors can increase the risk of developing this disease such as family history, viral and bacterial infections, stress, obesity and smoking.

“Psoriatic arthritis can affect up to 30% of patients with Psoriasis and has major impact on joint movements and Quality of Life of patients” added Dr. Kamel Mroueh, President Elect of the Lebanese Society of Rheumatology.